The Bodleian First Folio

The Merry Wiues of Windsor. Be thou asham'd that I have tooke vpon me Such an immodest rayment; if shame liue

[2185]

In a disguise of loue? It is the lesser blot modesty findes, Women to change their shapes, then men their minds. Pro. Then men their minds? tis true: o heuen, were man But Constant, he were perfect; that one error

[2190]

Fils him with faults: makes him run through all th'sins: Inconstancy falls‑off, ere it begins: What is in Siluia's face, but I may spie More fresh in Iulia's, with a constant eye? Ual. Come, come: a hand from either:

[2195]

Let me be blest to make this happy close: 'Twere pitty two such friends should be long foes. Pro. Beare witnes (heauen) I haue my wish for euer. Iul. And I mine. Out‑l.

A prize: a prize: a prize.

Val.

[2200]

Forbeare, forbeare I say: It is my Lord the Duke. Your Grace is welcome to a man disgrac'd, Banished Valentine. Duke.

Sir Valentine?

Thu.

Yonder is Siluia: and Siluia's mine.

Val.

[2205]

Thurio giue backe; or else embrace thy death: Come not within the measure of my wrath: Doe not name Siluia thine: if once againe, Uerona shall not hold thee: heere she stands Take but possession of her, with a Touch:

[2210]

I dare thee, but to breath vpon my Loue. Thu. Sir Valentine, I care not for her, I: I hold him but a foole that will endanger His Body, for a Girle that loues him not: I claime her not, and therefore she is thine. Duke.

[2215]

The more degenerate and base art thou To make such meanes for her, as thou hast done, And leaue her on such slight conditions:

Now, by the honor of my Ancestry, I doe applaud thy spirit, Valentine,

[2220]

And think thee worthy of an Empresse loue: Know then, I here forget all former greefes, Cancell all grudge, repeale thee home againe, Plead a new state in thy vn‑riual'd merit, To which I thus subscribe: Sir Ualentine,

[2225]

Thou art a Gentleman, and well deriu'd, Take thou thy Siluia, for thou hast deseru'd her. Ual. I thank your Grace; yͤ gift hath made me happy: I now beseech you (for your daughter's sake) To grant one Boone that I shall aske of you. Duke.

[2230]

I grant it (for thine owne) what ere it be.

Val. These banish'd men, that I haue kept withall, Are men endu'd with worthy qualities: Forgiue them what they haue committed here, And let them be recall'd from their Exile:

[2235]

They are reformed, ciuill, full of good, And fit for great employment (worthy Lord.) Duke. Thou hast preuaild, I pardon them and thee: Dispose of them, as thou knowst their deserts. Come, let vs goe, we will include all iarres,

[2240]

With Triumphes, Mirth, and rare solemnity. Val. And as we walke along, I dare be bold With our discourse, to make your Grace to smile. What thinke you of this Page (my Lord?) Duke.

I think the Boy hath grace in him, he blushes.

Val.

[2245]

I warrant you (my Lord) more grace, then Boy.

Duke.

What meane you by that saying?

Val. Please you, Ile tell you, as we passe along, That you will wonder what hath fortuned: Come Protheus, 'tis your pennance, but to heare

[2250]

The story of your Loues discouered. That done, our day of marriage shall be yours, One Feast, one house, one mutuall happinesse. Exeunt.